Saturday, 6 June 2009

One of the most common affects people notice with Reiki is deep relaxation and a reduction in stress. If Reiki helps improve stress levels, then it must have an affect on the autonomic nervous system which can be measured proving that Reiki is an affective way of inducing a state of relaxation and reducing stress levels.

The autonomic nervous system consists of two opposing parts – the sympathetic and parasympathetic. The sympathetic nerves are responsible for actions in times of stress, for example, when you feel threatened; this part of the nervous system stimulates the adrenal glands to produce adrenalin. The body is returned to normal by the parasympathetic part of the nervous system when the threat has gone. The parasympathetic nerves are responsible for controlling your body’s everyday tasks such as digestion. This part of the nervous system helps the body relax by slowing the heart rate and lowering blood pressure among other things.

A research study looked into the changes that occurred to the autonomic nervous system during a Reiki treatment. 45 participants were split in to three groups. The first group received no treatment and were just left to rest; the second group received a Reiki treatment from an experienced Reiki practitioner; and the third group received a placebo treatment in which a person with no knowledge of Reiki mimicked a Reiki treatment. Various aspects of autonomic nervous system function were tested prior to, during, and after the treatments. Results showed that the heart rate and diastolic blood pressure decreased significantly in the participants who received Reiki compared to those who received the placebo and no treatment.

This was a small study but it does show some positive results which will hopefully lead to more research being done in Reiki.

About Balance Holistics

My name is Sarah Mortimer and I am a qualified practitioner in Reiki, Aromatherapy Massage, Indian Head Massage, Swedish Massage, Hot Stone Massage, Hopi Ear Candling, and Reflexology. My business, Balance Holistics, offers this range of holistic therapies in Bristol. I am also a Solution Focused Hypnotherapist. I offer a mobile service in the Bristol and South Gloucestershire areas and I also work from The Healing Rooms on Gloucester Road, Bristol. Appointments are available morning, afternoon, evening and weekends. I also offer Pamper Parties.

My Qualifications

VTCT Diplomas in Anatomy & Physiology, Holistic Therapies (Aromatherapy Massage, Swedish Massage & Reflexology) and Indian Head Massage. Certificates in Hot Stone Massage and Thermo-Auricular Therapy (Hopi Ear Candling). Reiki Levels I, II and Master/Teacher Diploma in Hypnotherapy and Psychotherapy (DHP) and a Hypnotherapy Practitioner Diploma (HPD). I am a member of the ICHT (International Council of Holistic Therapists), the FHT (Federation of Holistic Therapists), the National Council for Hypnotherapy (NCH) and the Association for Solution Focused Hypnotherapy (AfSFH). Currently studying towards a Hypnotherapy Practitioners Diploma (HPD). I am a student member of the National Council for Hypnotherapy (NCH).

Ask Me A Question

If you would like to ask me a question about Holistic Therapies, please email me and I will try my best to answer it in a post. Please also let me know your name and where you are from so that I can mention in the post who asked the question, for example, Sarah from Bristol, UK.